Gifts encourage families to dream

Gifts to The Empty Stocking Fund mean so much more than the toys that end up under the tree.

By Jackie Bridges

Published: Friday, November 30, 2012 at 07:50 AM.

Gifts to The Empty Stocking Fund mean so much more than the toys that end up under the tree.

The stuffed animal, bicycle or game says to a child, "Somebody cares." That one simple act of kindness can motivate a little boy or girl to keep reaching for his or her dream.

Maj. Cherry Craddock of the Salvation Army learned this truth when she was a new officer in the corps.

"I was speaking with a Salvation Army Officer friend about receiving help at Christmas," Craddock said. "She was raised by her grandmother, and they had very little. She said the only time they had enough and even a little to spare was Christmas 'because of what The Salvation Army gave us.'"

Craddock, who has served 35 years in The Salvation Army with her husband, Maj. David Craddock, is reminded of her friend every Christmas.

"That conversation has stayed with me," Cherry Craddock said. "I remember her every year, and hope we are making the same kind of difference in the lives of the people we are serving."

Our goal of $35,000 will help to renew the hopes and dreams of 450 children this season along with their parents. And, even after Christmas, it will keep on helping families through the year.

Gifts to The Empty Stocking Fund mean so much more than the toys that end up under the tree.

The stuffed animal, bicycle or game says to a child, "Somebody cares." That one simple act of kindness can motivate a little boy or girl to keep reaching for his or her dream.

Maj. Cherry Craddock of the Salvation Army learned this truth when she was a new officer in the corps.

"I was speaking with a Salvation Army Officer friend about receiving help at Christmas," Craddock said. "She was raised by her grandmother, and they had very little. She said the only time they had enough and even a little to spare was Christmas 'because of what The Salvation Army gave us.'"

Craddock, who has served 35 years in The Salvation Army with her husband, Maj. David Craddock, is reminded of her friend every Christmas.

"That conversation has stayed with me," Cherry Craddock said. "I remember her every year, and hope we are making the same kind of difference in the lives of the people we are serving."

Our goal of $35,000 will help to renew the hopes and dreams of 450 children this season along with their parents. And, even after Christmas, it will keep on helping families through the year.

Empty Stocking Donations

Nov. 30

Janice R. Watts, in memory of Harold P. Watts, $50; and in memory of Merlyn and D.H. Cline Jr., $50

Horace and Charlotte Heffner, $25

Sandra A. Lloyd, $50

Brenda and Eddie Howard, in honor of Becky and Henry Howard, $25; and in memory of Obie and Beatrice Morrison, $25

Joe and Beverly McMurry, $50

Hoey Bible Class of Central United Methodist Church, $100

Bobby and Janice Poston, in honor of Trevor and Lane Harrill and Lexi and Kira Poston and Abigail Lynn, $125

One of the phone numbers for Reid Sipe, the clock repairman featured in Thursday's Star, was incorrect. If you have a clock that needs repairing, call Sipe at 704-734-5527 or 704-819-5847. He charges $45 to repair a clock and all the money is donated to The Salvation Army.